Caleb Samson Graduate Assistant | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
Caleb Samson Graduate Assistant | University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics Website
The Illinois women's basketball team, ranked No. 21, is set to face off against No. 12 Ohio State in Columbus on Sunday, December 8, as they open their Big Ten play. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network and available for streaming via the FOX Sports App.
Under head coach Shauna Green, Illinois has been consistently ranked in the Top 25 over the past three seasons. "Illinois has earned a win over a ranked opponent for the third consecutive season under Green," states a press release from the team. The Illini's current ranking of No. 21 follows their highest ranking this season at No. 19 in late November.
The team boasts four players who have scored over 1,000 career points: Makira Cook, Genesis Bryant, Adalia McKenzie, and Kendall Bostic. Bostic also stands out with her impressive rebounding record; she ranks third among active NCAA Division I players with 1,139 career rebounds.
Ohio State enters this matchup undefeated with a perfect 7-0 record and is yet to face a ranked opponent this season. Historically, Ohio State leads the series against Illinois with a significant advantage of 58 wins to Illinois' 20.
Coach Shauna Green returns to her alma mater following a recent victory against Canisius College where she previously played and set records that still stand today. During her tenure at Illinois, Green has achieved notable success including winning her 200th career game earlier this season.
The Illini are coming off an impressive start to their season with victories over several teams including Florida State and Oregon State during their opening five-game homestand.
In recognition of individual performances, Kendall Bostic was awarded her first Big Ten Player of the Week award after leading her team to victories while maintaining high efficiency on court performance.
Shauna Green's leadership continues to invigorate fan engagement as seen by increasing attendance numbers at home games which include some of the largest crowds in program history.
Looking ahead, Coach Green's contract extension ensures her presence through at least the 2029-30 season with potential for further extensions based on performance criteria.
As Illinois prepares for its upcoming challenge against Ohio State, they aim to maintain momentum built from previous successes both individually and collectively as a team.
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